- Details
- Written by: Jamin Coller
- Category: Practice Techniques and Philosophy
- Hits: 86
Make practice more focused by choosing one small problem, listening carefully, and noticing what changes.
Give each session a small job
Choose a short passage
Find the specific measure, chord change, or fingering that interrupts your playing. Work on that spot before restarting the whole song.
Listen after each attempt
Ask one question: Was the rhythm even? Did the chord change arrive on time? Could the hand stay comfortable?
Finish with music
Put the small passage back into a larger phrase. End by playing something you enjoy, even if it is simple.
A useful repetition has a purpose. If the same mistake keeps returning, change the speed, size of the passage, or task. A short recording can reveal something you miss while concentrating on your hands.
- Details
- Written by: Jamin Coller
- Category: Practice Techniques and Philosophy
- Hits: 130
Use a steady beat to hear your timing clearly and build reliable movement through a phrase.
Meet the beat before adding the notes
Listen for a few beats
Set a comfortable tempo and tap along. Let the beat feel predictable before playing.
Play something simple
Use one note or an easy passage. Keep moving with the pulse instead of racing to catch a click after a mistake.
Make the task smaller
If a passage cannot stay with the beat, slow down or work on fewer notes. Bring it back into the phrase when it feels controlled.
The metronome is a listening partner, not a demand to play faster. Use it to notice uneven timing and to test whether your chosen rhythm stays steady.
- Details
- Written by: Jamin Coller
- Category: Practice Techniques and Philosophy
- Hits: 76
Start with a comfortable setup and simple movements that let you focus on the sound you are making.
Start with comfort and control
Adjust your position
Sit where your arms can reach the keys without crowding your body. Keep your shoulders at ease and your feet supported where possible.
Play a short pattern gently
Use a few neighboring notes. Listen for an even sound and notice whether you are holding tension after each note.
Pause and reset
Take your hands off the keys between attempts. If a motion hurts, stop instead of practicing through pain and ask for qualified guidance.
Technique is how you move to produce a musical result. Hand shape and movement vary with the player and the passage. A teacher who can see and hear you can give more useful guidance than a rigid rule applied to every hand.